Arsenal and Liverpool target Alexandre Lacazette “not for sale”

Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette is quickly becoming one of the hottest prospects in European football, with the gifted attacker taking French football by storm this season.

Following his excellent goalscoring form for the Stade de Gerland outfit in Ligue 1, the British media claim that Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the forward, while Arsenal have also been touted as potential suitors.

With Lacazette starring for the Ligue 1 title chasers and clearly a player that could shine in the Premier League, speculation over his future is understandable.

However, despite the reported interest from Anfield and the Emirates Stadium, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has dismissed rumours that Lacazette could leave the French club at the end of the season.

"Alexandre is not for sale. He is part of the generation of players we want to take to the new stadium," Aulas told beIN Sports, republished in Le 10 Sport.

Lacazette leads the Ligue 1 scoring charts this term with 21 goals in 23 games, with his prolific streak essential in Lyon holding a two-point advantage at the summit of the French top flight.

Aulas’ comments show that the French club are serious in their bid to keep their prized asset, but if big English sides show serious interest in Lacazette it may well be up to the player to decide just where his future lies.

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.